Owners want to convert Surfleet pub The Mermaid Inn into houses

A planning application to convert a former pub into houses has been submitted.

South Holland District Council have previously approved a request to transform Surfleet’s grade II-listed Mermaid Inn into five apartments with further dwellings on site.

But since there has been ‘no interest in the development’ from potential buyers, owners Mr & Mrs GJR and KF Swindells have gone back to the drawing board.

This latest application requests to turn the now-closed Gosberton Road pub into two properties.

“The building is to be split into two semi-detached three-bedroom dwellings with an easy divide taking place with just two openings being blocked up with was the original knock through when the additional building was built,” the design and access statement prepared by agent GR Merchant explained.

“The amount is less than the five apartments that was previously proposed and approved.

“The layout of the proposed three-bedroom semi-detached dwellings will take the layout of the existing ground and first floors.

“Other then closing the two openings between the two buildings and installing a new external door to the rear of the building to create a front door and entrance into a new staircase the development has followed the existing layout.”

The Mermaid Inn was designated a grade II-listed building in May 2022.

Built mostly of red brick, it is a multi-phase building mainly of the mid-19th century.

“(The year) 1808 is the earliest record of the Mermaid Inn,” the heritage impact statement accompanying the application said.

“William Baxter was the landlord and owner.

“In 1809 the Lincolnshire poet Samuel Elsdale wrote a poem about Surfleet which refers to both the Crown Inn and the Mermaid Inn: ‘Two Inns there are, pride of each sturdy clown, (the Crown). When Purse runs high, the Mermaid and Too oft, their walls with boisterous mirth resound, (the tide comes round).’”

Unlike a number of surrounding villages which have lost their pubs, Surfleet has bucked the trend despite the closure of the Mermaid Inn, which shut its doors when Covid struck.

The village still has three pubs, The Crown Inn, Riverside Inn, and The Ship at the Reservoir.

The design and access statement added: “Since the approvals of (previous planning applications) the property has been for sale, however, there has been no interest in the development therefore discussions have taken place regarding altering the development to provide two semi-detached 3-bedroom dwellings instead of the five apartments approved.

“The proposed scheme will be in character with the area of Surfleet and the change of use will have no effect on the design and scale of the building.

“This proposed development would have a lesser impact on the area as apposed to the five apartments approved.

“Other than the installation of a new door on the rear elevation there will be no external changes to the building or external areas.”

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